“Everyone at Supernatural is walking around in a daze, shocked and absolutely devastated,” series creator Eric Kripke says in a statement. “Kim was a brilliant director; more than that, he was a mentor and friend. He was one of the patriarchs of the family, and we miss him desperately. He gave so much to Supernatural, and everything we do on the show, now and forever, is in memory of him.”

Likewise, cast member Jim Beaver (who plays Bobby) remembers Manners as “one of the best friends and best directors” he has ever known.

In addition to his work on the CW show, Manners produced and directed The X-Files (where he was part of a four-time Emmy-nominated directing staff) and directed episodes of series such as 21 Jump Street, Simon & Simon and Charlie’s Angels.

On Supernatural, Manners most recently directed this season’s premiere, “Lazarus Rising,” as well as “Metamorphosis.”